Lentil Bacon (Vegan, Soy-Free)

Learn how to make plant-based bacon from a handful of lentils and some seasonings! This vegan bacon is high in protein, soy-free, grain-free, oil-free, gluten-free and both cheap and straightforward to make.

Soy-Free Vegan Bacon

I love it when readers offer suggestion for new inspiration for posts. That is how this recipe came to pass. After posting myLentil Gyrosrecipe last week, more than one reader (who made the gyros recipe) asked if it might be adapted to make bacon.

Yes!!! As soon as I read the comments, my scheming, followed by much testing, began.

Thanks TofuAnnie & Trina. Your wish was my command.

Here it is:Lentil Bacon.

Recipe Benefits

• High in protein (6 grams per serving–about 6 to 8 strips of bacon)
• High in fiber (7 grams per serving–about 6 to 8 strips of bacon)
• 96 calories per serving (about 6 to 8 strips of bacon)
• Soy-free
• Vegan (egg-free, dairy-free, no chicken, beef, or pork)
• Grain-free
• Gluten-free
• Oil-free
• Nut-free
• Seed-free
• No nutritional yeast
• Straightforward to make
• Frugal

Ingredients for the Lentil Bacon

The exact amounts of each ingredient are indicated in the recipe card at the end of the post.Toggle betweenUS Customary(volume) andMetric(weights) for preferred measurement option.

• uncooked red lentils(see notes for using other lentil varieties)
• tomato paste(adds umami)
• coconut sugar(or maple syrup)
• liquid smoke
• onion powder
• garlic powder(or use 2 to 3 cloves garlic, peeled, in place of 1.25 tsp garlic powder)
• smoked paprika(a.k.a. pimenton; use sweet, not hot, variety)
• ground black pepper
• salt

Making the recipe also requires regular tap water. I provide a specific amount of salt in the recipe, but it is adjustable/optional depending on your needs and tastes.

Step by Step Instructions

Note that the complete instructions are also in the recipe card below.

Step One: Rinse the Lentils

Place the red lentils in a colander or mesh sieve and rinse under cold water. This removes any dust or debris from the dried lentils.

Step Two: Quick-Soak the Lentils

Combine the red lentils and boiling water in a medium size, heat proof mixing bowl. Let stand for 15 to 20 minutes until the lentils are plump and the water has cooled (do not drain).

Step Three: Blend the Lentils

In a blender (high speed or regular), blend the lentil-water mixture, remaining 1.25 cups room temperature water, tomato paste, coconut sugar, liquid smoke, onion powder, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until completely smooth. Stop several times to scrape down the sides of the blender container.

Step Four: Cook the Lentil Mixture

Pour the red lentil mixture into a medium-size, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Whisk over medium heat for 8 to 9 minutes until the mixture is VERY THICK, glossy and coats the bottom of the pan (turn heat down, as needed). The mixture will glob onto the whisk when it is lifted from the pan.

Step Five: Pour Lentil Bacon Batter into Pan

Scrape the batter into a 9×5 inch (22.5×12.5 cm) loaf pan (or similarly sized pan), smoothing the top.

The pan does not need to be oiled or sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. The bacon loaf will release (with ease) from the pan once set.

Step Six: Chill the Lentil Bacon Block

Refrigerate the lentil bacon block, uncovered, for at least 1.5 hours until completely cold and very firm (it will have the firmness of extra firm tofu).

Step Seven: Unmold and Slice the Vegan Bacon

When you are ready to cook the plant based bacon, run a dull knife around the edge of the pan before inverting the block onto a cutting board. Thinly slice into crosswise strips.

Step Eight: Cook The Lentil Bacon

Place the bacon strips in a large nonstick skillet (I use a ceramic nonstick). I “fry” the strips without oil, but you can also add a small amount of oil (e.g., a teaspoon or up to a tbsp of olive oil or avocado oil) to the skillet.

Pan fry over medium-high heat for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Allow the bottom side to sear before turning (you should be able to move the strips, with a spatula, with ease).

Gently press down on the cooked side of each stripto further flatten the bacon (bonus: this also gives the bacon some streaks). Cook until the bottoms sides are browned. Repeat with remaining lentil bacon strips.

Step Nine: Eat!

Serve the vegan bacon while warm, or cool the lentil bacon on a wire rack (enjoy at room temperature, or rewarm later).

Taste & Texture of Vegan Bacon

The cooked lentil bacon strips are slightly crispy at the edges with a tender bite. The flavor is nuanced and akin to smoky bacon.

Crispy Bacon

If you eat oil, you can add a small amount of oil to the pan (or brush onto the strips) to achieve a crispier texture to the bacon strips.

Serving Suggestions for Lentil Bacon

• Breakfast or Brunch:Enjoy cooked slices of lentil bacon as part of your morning meal. Consider pairing it with one of my plant-based no-egg scrambles (e.g.,Pumpkin Seed Scrambled EggsorStraightforward 1-Ingredient Vegan Scramble).
• Sandwiches:Pile the cooked lentil bacon strips onto or into your go-to sandwich or wrap. Above is my go-to: an open face lentil bacon, arugula, sliced tomato, and meltedvegan mozzarellasandwich.
• Snack or Appetizer:Enjoy strips of cooked lentil bacon as an anytime, high protein snack, or as an appetizer (for example, on a plant based charcuterie board).
• Salads:Add the cooked lentil bacon strips to a wide variety of salads for a flavorful, high protein boost.

Ingredient Options

• What Can I Use in Place of Coconut Sugar?You can use an equal amount of just about any sweetener you prefer in place of the coconut sugar. For example, maple syrup, brown sugar, cane sugar, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup. You can also use an equal amount of 1:1 sugar replacement of your choice (granulated or liquid).
• Can I Use Tan Lentils, Green Lentils, or Black Lentils?Yes! Use thesame weight(135 grams). The color of the bacon will end up darker (it will depend on the color of the lentils), but the taste will be more or less the same.
• What Can I Use in Place of Salt?You can use coconut aminos, soy sauce, or tamari for the salt, or replace the room temperature water with vegetable broth.
• Can I Use Cooked Lentils in Place of Raw?No, that will not work.

FAQ

• Can I bake the lentil bacon strips?Yes! Arrange the strips on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven (400F/200C) for 6 minutes; turn over the strips with a spatula, flatten slightly with a spatula, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes longer until browned.
• How Should I Store the Lentil Bacon?Leave the prepared bacon block in the loaf pan, in the refrigerator/fridge, for up to five days. You can also cook the bacon strips, cool completely, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Briefly re-warm in a skillet, or serve cold.
• Can I Freeze the Lentil Bacon?Yes.
  • Freeze before cooking the strips:unmold the lentil bacon block and place in an airtight container. Defrost in the refrigerator. Place the lentil bacon block between layers of paper towels to remove excess water (very gently press, as needed)
  • Freeze the cooked strips:Cook the bacon strips as directed and cool completely. Store in an airtight container and freeze. Defrost in the refrigerator or microwave. Blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Enjoy! Leave a comment if you give these a try, or tag me on instagram.

• Lentil Gyros (High Protein, Soy-Free)
• Vegan Coconut Flour Lentil Cookies (Grain-Free, Oil-Free)
• High Protein Lentil Bread (Vegan, Grain-Free, Oil-Free)
• Mind-Blowing Red Lentil Tofu (Soy-free, Straightforward, 1 ingredient)
• Straightforward High Protein Sandwich Bread (4 ingredients, V, GF, Oil-Free)